Latvia requests US troops on a permanent basis

Date of publication: 30 04 2017, 16:10

Washington, DC. The Government of Latvia has appealed to US President Donald Trump for the United States to permanently open a US military base and station troops on their soil, against “Russian aggression”.

The permanent military presence of the United States troops in the Baltic countries is a critical factor in maintaining security in the region, as stated by the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima, Inara Murniece, during a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Paul Ryan, in Washington. Latvian news outlets reported today.

“We highly appreciate the strengthening of the presence of NATO forces in the Baltic region by sending combat groups. But for us the constant military presence and American troops of the USA here in Latvia is important to us. The Kremlin’s aggressive behavior threatens our region,” Murniece said.

Murniece stressed that Latvia has made considerable efforts to strengthen its defense capability as a US partner in NATO and in 2018, 2% of GDP will be spent on defense needs.

The presence of allies is the foundation of Latvian deterrence policy, she emphasized in negotiations for the troops being stationed in Latvia or opening of a permanent military base there.

The Speaker of the Saeima also expressed her personal gratitude to the United States and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for their firm support in confronting “Russian aggression” in the Baltic states.